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Sherman Alexie on the Village GreenSaturday, August 16, 2008) click photo for larger view
Sherman tells another of his wild stories to a packed Village Green this evening during the Chuckanut Radio Hour. Chuck and Dee Robinson, the hosts of the radio show, are as slack jawed as the rest of us listening to his incredible stories of growing up as a Spokane Nation Indian. Chuck is also the Executive Procuder of the show. After the live radio program, when it got dark, the movie “The Business of Fancydancing” was shown by Epic Events. Of course, the movie screenplay was written by Sherman. It was - still is as I write this - a beautiful summer evening in Fairhaven. A Photo Gallery of this evening’s Radio Hour is posted. Its been good, FairhavenFriday, August 15, 2008) click photo for larger view
Frank and Cate Howell retired at 5 pm this evening after a very successful retirement sale. Their Mud in Your Eye Pottery shop has been one of Fairhaven’s best known shops for over a decade. Selling the business was not feasible because Frank has made most of the pottery. Their sale over the past few weeks was a complete success - and their shop was literally empty this evening when they closed. Friends stopped by to celebrate with them. The place had a festive air. All of us in Fairhaven wish them the best for their years ahead. Notice that For Rent sign in the left side of the photo? Tim Imus is looking for a new tenant for one of the more successful retail locations in Fairhaven. That number is 360 319-6989. We hope that some really unique shop with products that are locally made or crafted will carry on the legacy that Frank and Cate have established. We will miss being able to walk to the back of the shop and watch Frank at his potter’s wheel as he effortlessly created perfect pieces. But we look hopefully forward to a new fun shop in this over 100 year old building. Mid Summer on 11th StreetFriday, August 8, 2008)
A fierce and fast chess match on a table in front of the Colophon Cafe on 11th Street is a perfect activity for a not too hot August afternoon. Tom, on the left, and Bill were very focused on their game. August in Fairhaven is hard to beat with anywhere. Temps in the 70s, blue skys and breezes. We invite you to come enjoy our little historic district. Fairhaven flowers at their best in AugustWednesday, August 6, 2008)
The Old Fairhaven Association, the organized group of Fairhaven business owners, has overseen the hanging flower baskets for many years. They hang from all the old fashioned light poles in the Historic District. There are several people who deserve personal thanks as they have been key each year for the flowers. Vicki Rogers has made sure the funds were available and has gotten grants from the tourism taxes most years. Ken Imus has hung the baskets for many years with help from his sons Brad and Tim. The Lions Club of Fairhaven members have watered the flowers every morning each summer for years. They use a renovated golf cart that Brad Imus has kept in repair. The Association makes a yearly donation to Lions in return for their volunteer watering each morning. The baskets are hung each year in late May and taken down in the fall. The flowers are at their finest now during mid August. It is one of those beautiful items in Fairhaven that we can easily take for granted, so a little credit is in order. The building in the background? That is the home of Village Books - but the lower windows are actually the Book Fare restaurant on the second floor of the bookstore. One of our many newer buildings that was built with some charm. And the top of the building across the photo is the Village Inn. Historic District SceneFriday, August 1, 2008) click photo for larger image
Sometimes we overlook the everyday - and forget it is unusual. Our histoic district is quite unique with buildings from the 1800s and a genuine historic tenor to the small several block area. During these fine days of summer, it is a great weekend getaway for Seattle folks, Vancouver, Canada folks and for any big city folks in the Northwest. Slow, real and with great restaurants, it is a nice place to just visit and hang out. We invite you to do just that. Above is the scene on 11th Street with a couple people enjoying the sidewalk table at Skylark’s and the oldest building in the background, the Terminal Building, built in 1888. Barely showing on the right is the Nelson Block building from 1900 and on the far left is the Monahan from 1890. All have thriving businesses in them today with interiors that are as interesting as the outsides. Oh - and we have two fine hotels on the edge of the district. Again, we invite you to come for a couple days and explore our district. Everyone who does tells us they love it and that we should promote it more. Hmmm. Old Time Chautauqua today at Boulevard ParkSunday, July 27, 2008) click photo for larger view
Today at 4 pm is a free show at Boulevard Park - just a half mile walk on the South Bay Trail from the Village Green. If you have kids then this is a must - and we don’t say that often. Skilled clowns, jugglers and everyone costumed to the hilt. Hilarious fun. At 1 pm is a free workshop at Boulevard Park - which is perfect for those young aspiring jugglers and clowns. Above we see just some of the cast of characters brought together for this special event by Karl Meyer. They performed a “teaser” show on the stage at the Village Green this noon. This is old fashioned fun. The Old Time Chautauqua was a popular education and entertainment show of the late 1800s in America. Today there is a revival of these types of shows because they are so much fun. Again, a must for kids. And this is a one time event, so there is no putting it off till next year.
They even held a parade through the Historic District - with music and much ado about fun. Here they cross Harris Avenue on 11th next to the Fairhaven Fish & Chips. 11th Street gets new businessesFriday, July 25, 2008)
The business signs looking north up 11th from McKenzie show the new businesses. On the corner you can see part of Jimmy’s Personal Care, providing pedicures, manicures and more. Next is Nostalgia, which opened last fall and offers women’s clothing. Then the new Rustic Coffee Bar - with outside tables. Flats Tapas Bar, Three French Hens and in the next block Fairhaven Runners and Dirty Dan Restaurant. Four blocks up and across the street is Fairhaven Bike anchoring the other end. There are many more between. The historic district is about four blocks on Harris and four on 11th and to the sides about a block from each. Easy and fun walking with shops side by side and interesting walking alleys like the Cobblestone Walkway and McKenzie Alley. The new Rustic Coffee Bar opens at 6 am daily and 7 am Sundays, which is the earliest coffee and light breakfast place in the historic district. It is really worth checking out. . Welcome back ColumbiaFriday, July 18, 2008) Click this image for larger view
Tis Friday evening in Fairhaven and the Alaska Ferry Columbia is loading at the Cruise Terminal. After an absense for repairs, we welcome back the Columbia, the queen of the Alaska Ferry fleet. It is good to see her back on the route between Fairhaven and Skagway - with stops to other Alaska towns. Passengers can walk on and roll out a sleeping bag in the solarium on the top deck, or they can walk on and enjoy a reserved room. Of course many drive their vehicles on which range from cars to RVs to trucks hauling trailers. No one is allowed to stay in their vehicles on the trip.
The longshore man releases the docking line to the stern as the passengers line the rails of the upper decks. The Columbia is over 400 feet long, carries over 100 vehicles and over 900 passengers. It is fun to watch it loading and leaving each Friday. A bit of charming trivia; as soon as the hawsers are released and the ship is free of the dock, all the clocks in the ship switch to Alaska time which is one hour earlier. Kind of neat - they are already in Alaska in their minds. Leaving Fairhaven every Friday eveningFriday, July 18, 2008) click photo for larger view
Bright in the evening summer sun and with the decks lined with passengers enjoying the departing view of Fairhaven, Columbia makes the turn west at the end of the Cruise Terminal dock. Next stop is Ketchikan, Alaska, which is 36 hours and 900 miles nonstop north for arrival on Sunday morning. Then on to more towns north, a turn around on Tuesday and arrival back in Fairhaven next Friday morning about 8 am. A great voyage that anyone can take year round. Walk on tickets are an inexpensive vacation. And Fairhaven is a great place to hang out for a few days before departure or after your return. Dancing on the GreenSunday, July 13, 2008) click photo for larger view
Fiddlin Fox presented her 2nd Sunday afternoon of dancing music - complete with dancing instructions. The next two Sundays from 3 - 6 pm will feature Cajun Boogie and Latin Jazz Salsa, with both tuned to make you want to dance. Today it was the Grant Wilson Band playing Swing Jazz and many couples came up forward to enjoy learning how to swing dance. This is all free and open to anyone each Sunday this month. It is courtesy of Linda Fox who is sponsoring these for the third season. We invite you to the Village Green next Sunday at 3 pm to learn to dance to Cajun Boogie music. High summer in old FairhavenFriday, July 11, 2008) click photo to enlarge
How busy the Fairhaven Fish and Chips is at noon is a good indicator of how Fairhaven is doing. Sort of our yearly measure of when high summer has finally arrived. And boy, has it arrived. Vicki and her staff are busy for hours during the middle of each day. And for good reason. Their fish and chips - with a choice of salmon, halibut or cod - is a great value and is done just perfect. We have about 20 eating places in Fairhaven. Not sure how we count Sirena Gelato as it is not for dining but also does great business serving a dozen flavors of gelato till late at night. And there are about a dozen other dining places with outside tables - from Mambo Italiano to Skylark’s to Avenue Bread. Check them out. Tis the season. Retirement Sale at Mud in Your EyeWednesday, July 2, 2008) click photo for larger view
Cate and Frank Howell are retiring after 30 years in the pottery business - and they have started their big sale on everything in their shop. The sign says 25% off - and this is for high quality stuff. They have a place in Mexico where they will be relaxing this winter. Their pottery shop has been a favorite shop in Fairhaven and they have run a really fine business. They have earned their retirement. And we congratulate them. For some beautiful and practical pottery - at some super prices - you want to visit soon. Business was brisk today. They have been 12 years in their present shop in the over 100 year old Bellingham Bay Hotel building on Harris. This is one of the premier historic shops in Fairhaven. The building is owned by the Tim Imus’s Fairhaven Land Development company. Summer music and movies beginSaturday, June 28, 2008) click to enlarge photo
Jack Hemming entertains the crowd on the Fairhaven Village Green this evening. Music till sunset and then a fun movie for the several hundred folks. It will happen every Saturday till the last music and movie night on August 30. Doug Borneman and his Epic Events do a great job each summer with these events. Doug has always scheduled the best in music so everyone enjoys the music as much as the movie. The movie schedule is linked from the photo of the movie screen in the top left of this webpage. If you have not been to the Outdoor Cinema, we encourage you to spot a favorite movie or musical group and come on down one of these Saturday evenings. It is more fun with a friend. Bring a blanket and a fleece. And enjoy a movie under the stars. Quiet action at Harris BayThursday, June 26, 2008) click for larger view
Messing about in boats. There is nothing finer, according to many. At the Fairhaven boat launch today we have Ron of Wayland Marine watching a client try out a new row boat. And we have the Home Port Learning Center rowing boat, the Plume, with a crew of young sailors. They are about to row through the San Juan Islands for the next two weeks. In the background is the Chrysalis Hotel and Spa. We like our waterfront in Fairhaven. It is our other door to the world. Boaters can come here, anchor, row ashore and enjoy a short walk up Harris Avenue to the commercial district. Another fun detail about the Plume. It was built by the Home Port students and is a replica of the long boat on Captain George Vancouver’s ship Discovery, which explored Puget Sound in 1792. Yes, she also can raise sails on those masts when the wind is up. Alaska Ferry heading across Bellingham BaySunday, June 22, 2008) click for larger view
A view from the Happy Valley neighborhood looks over the historic district and across the bay to Portage Island. Behind it looms Lummi Island. If you don’t live here you might wonder how a hillside can be named a “valley”. Well, the valley is behind the photographer by a few blocks and there is a ridge rising about 260 feet above the bay that runs between the valley and the Fairhaven Village. And provides those who live here with a beautiful view, including the Alaska Ferry leaving every Friday evening year round. That is the top of the Pythias Building just below the ferry. It is home to Pacific Chef, the Colophon Cafe and Fair Trade Haven - and was home to Village Books for over 20 years. Built about 1891, the top floors have been empty for decades and the building needs a full renovation before they can be occupied. The 11th Street level floor has the shops as does the basement floor which opens up onto the Village Green in back. Beautiful evening for Walk-a-boutFriday, June 20, 2008) click photo for larger view
One of the more pleasant sights in Fairhaven is A Lot of Flowers at 11th and Harris. In the glow of a soft sunset this evening, it looks downright pastoral. Penny and her staff operate one of Fairhaven’s most loved commercial spots. Tonight’s annual Summer Solstice Walk-a-bout saw many people browsing the shops and galleries all evening. Really nice.
Enjoying tapas and wine at Flats restaurant are several members of the Ladies of the Evening Society. Along with their chaperone, Dirty Dan Harris. Most all restaurants were busy with so many more folks on the streets for the gallery walk. Summer Solstice FireFriday, June 20, 2008)
Dirty Dan Harris, aka Jim Rich, gives an oration about the fire while some of the members of the Ladies of the Evening Society accompany him. Much ado about fun happened on the Village Green at 5 pm today, marking the start of the annual Summer Walk-a-bout. Till 9 pm this evening, many Fairhaven shops will be hosting artwork and artists and some will have refreshments. Interestingly, summer started at 4:59 pm today - one minute before the fire lighting. The fire on the public green is a tradition on this day and goes back to ancient times and even earlier to prehistoric times. We are the first to agree that our fire is not very impressive, but it was a fun ceremony with about 100 people enjoying it. We invite you to come on down to our historic district and join us in visiting shops and restaurants on this special day. Summer is here. Friday is Summer Solstice WalkaboutWednesday, June 18, 2008)
The annual Gallery Walk has added fun this Friday evening fom 5 to 9 pm. Following ancient traditions, there will be a bonfire on the Village Green at 5 pm along with Tambala Drummers. And of course many shops will have artists for you to chat with refreshments for you to enjoy. The Weather is very promising - considering our Junuary weather this year. No rain, temperature in the 60s, only a slight breeze, and partly sunny. You can click on the major event information at the top of this page for more information and a map.
The historic streets and walkways of Fairhaven are perfect for a fun evening of shopping and browsing. Especially on the longest day of the year with music, refreshments and a festive air in the district. We invite you to come and join us Friday evening.
Kids, Summer, Magician, Reading, Ice CreamSaturday, June 14, 2008) Click photo for larger image
Sterling Dietz, magician, wowed over 200 young adults on the Village Green this afternoon. He is shown here with a volunteer assistant from the audience. Under - gasp - blue skies and with warm temperatures. The Friends of the Fairhaven Library sponsored Sterling and free ice cream for all the kids - most of whom also brought their parents along. It was the kick off for our library’s summer reading program for kids - each of whom also got a packet of information on the summer program. Village Books also joined in the reading push by giving away quite a few childrens books. Sterling is quite the magician and kept the kids full attention for his whole hour plus. He has won national awards and lives right up in Lynden. You can google his name to learn more and check him out for possible booking to an event. Farmer’s Market on the Village GreenWednesday, June 11, 2008)
Every Wednesday from noon to 5 pm - through September. Yes, these are some of the same vendors that are at the Saturday market in downtown Bellingham. Locally grown fresh food being sold by the very folks who tended it and nurthured it. In this time of rising prices, a farmer’s market is worth the enjoyable time spend browsing and looking for good buys. Mark your calendar. The low key Village Green brings a relaxed feeling to the market. We invite you down. Every Wednesday afternoon. Stan Velis hangs up his apronFriday, June 6, 2008)
Stanello’s Italian Restaurant is closed. Stan Velis has closed the well known Fairhaven restaurant after 33 years of serving perhaps the best pizza in Bellingham. He opened in 1974 where the Big Fat Fish restaurant is now located on 12th. He was 21. He moved a couple blocks in 1994. Last winter he sold the property. And last night he officially closed for good at about 11 pm. A rousing applause from a room full of faithful customers accompanied his hanging up his apron for good. We will all miss Stan and his comfortable home away from home restaurant. We all wish him the best as he tries a new lifestyle at age 55. And we thank him for providing us with such a great place all these years. Half StaffWednesday, June 4, 2008)
Why is the flag at half staff today? It is in memory of U.S. Navy Lieutenant Jeffrey A. Ammon of Bremerton who was killed in action in Afghanistan May 23. Governor Gregoire has directed that all Washington State agencies do so and we follow in step. Tomorrow, June 5, the flag will again be at half staff in memory of U.S. Army Private Andrew J. Shields of Battle Ground who was killed in action in Afghanistan May 31. Our Veterans Memorial Flagpole in under tha care of the Old Fairhaven Association. We put up this new pole in March - just two months ago - and we are striving to manage the flag in the appropriate manner. I’ll be creating a new page soon with information about out pole, flag and how it became a reality. The flag will go back to the top either at sunset Thursday or at dawn Friday. If you want to stay notified on future half staff days - yes, we unfortunately will have them - here is the website link to the Governor’s flag page. Stan Velis closes Stanello’s this ThursdayFriday, May 30, 2008) click for larger view
Stan Velis has provided us with over 33 years of enjoyable dining - and arguably the best pizza in all of Bellingham. Next Thursday, June 5, will be the last day for his restaurant as he closes for good that evening. He is retiring. Taking a well deserved rest. And we all realize we will really miss his place. During this last week, there are no reservations nor saving of tables. And for good reason. The place is packed as we all get in our last visit - or our last pizza. Stan and the staff are in good humor and the place is a lot of fun. Of course, everything - service, food and ambience - is just great. If you go, you may have to wait for a table but even that is enjoyable with the chatter and social atmosphere in his waiting hallway. WowFriday, May 30, 2008
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